Emporium Presents confirms trio of appointments
National promotions company Emporium Presents has announced three new additions to its Nashville office.
The firm, which operates under the Live Nation umbrella, has installed Leigh Ann Pigue as senior marketing director, and fellow industry veterans Chris Peck, and Samantha Hanson as show settlement managers.
“Jason and I are thrilled to have Leigh Ann’s years of marketing experience to be joining the Emporium Family,” says Dan Steinberg, co-president at Emporium Presents.
With over two decades at Varnell Enterprises, Pigue played a pivotal role in tours for the likes of George Strait, Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan and Miranda Lambert. Most recently, she executed and oversaw tour marketing efforts for Garth Brooks.
“Chris and Samantha have both been close friends of ours for years, they both come to us with years of industry knowledge and relationships”
“Chris and Samantha have both been close friends of ours for years, they both come to us with years of industry knowledge and relationships,” says Emporium co-president Jason Zink.
Knoxville native Peck, who brings nearly 20 years of promotion experience, comes to Emporium Presents from Exhibitor Regal Cinemas where he managed the special events team. He began his career as a concert promoter at AC Entertainment, going on to become a talent buyer for Z2 Entertainment in Boulder, CO.
Hanson, a seasoned professional across multiple facets of the industry including artist management, talent and venue management, began her career in Denver, CO, booking and managing bands while simultaneously promoting shows.
After a stint at AEG working as an assistant talent buyer, Hanson made the move to Nashville where she supported the Tin Roof brand’s entertainment team and helped develop the local concert venue from the ground up.
PHOTO (L-R): Jason Zink, Samantha Hanson, Leigh Ann Pigue, Chris Peck, Dan Steinberg
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Lizzo latest artist to shun Tennessee’s anti-drag law
Lizzo is the latest artist to rebuke legislation designed to restrict drag performances in public, pending in the US state of Tennessee (TN).
The Grammy-award-winning singer invited 20 drag queens onstage during her concert at the Thompson-Boling arena in Knoxville (TN) on Friday (21 April) night.
Among the queens present were RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Aquaria, Kandy Muse, Asia O’Hara and Vanessa Vanjie Mateo.
In February, the Republican governor of Tennessee, Bill Lee, signed the legislation against “adult cabaret” in public or in front of minors.
A federal judge temporarily blocked the law in late March, saying it was too vaguely written. Civil rights groups have criticised the law as a violation of free speech.
The Tennessee law is part of a wider Republican effort to restrict drag shows and other LGBTQ+ public gatherings.
“In light of recent and tragic events and current events, I was told by people on the internet, ‘Cancel your shows in Tennessee,’ ‘Don’t go to Tennessee,’” Lizzo said during the Friday concert.
“The oppression of the LGBTQ+ is not only unacceptable and inhumane”
“Their reason was valid, but why would I not come to the people who need to hear this message the most? Why would I not create a safe space in Tennessee where we can celebrate drag entertainers and celebrate our differences?”
Lizzo’s protest comes soon after Madonna added a Nashville (TN) stop to her upcoming greatest hits tour in protest of the state’s anti-LGBT+ bills, which include a ban on transition-related care for minors.
Madonna: The Celebration Tour, which is supported by RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Bob the Drag Queen, will visit Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on 22 December. A portion of proceeds from the show will go to trans rights organisations.
“The oppression of the LGBTQ+ is not only unacceptable and inhumane, it’s creating an unsafe environment; it makes America a dangerous place for our most vulnerable citizens, especially trans women of colour,” said Madonna in a statement.
“Also, these so-called laws to protect our children are unfounded and pathetic. Anyone with half a brain knows not to fuck with a drag queen. Bob and I will see you from the stage in Nashville where we will celebrate the beauty that is the queer community.”
Prior to that, Nashville-based artists came together for a benefit concert to raise awareness and funds for the LGBTQ community, in the wake of the Tennessee legislation.
Paramore’s Hayley Williams, Sheryl Crow, Maren Morris, Brothers Osborne, Jason Isbell, Amanda Shires, Yola, Brittany Howard, Hozier, Adeem the Artist, Julien Baker, Joy Oladokun, Jake Wesley Rogers and Mya Byrne performed at the Bridgestone Arena for the Love Rising fundraiser.
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WME acquires music agency Red 11 Music
WME has acquired Red 11 Music, a Nashville-based music agency known for representing some of the top touring artists in the Americana genre.
The agency has worked with clients including Turnpike Troubadours, Shooter Jennings, Muscadine Bloodline, Jason Boland & The Stragglers, Giovannie & The Hired Guns, and many others.
As part of the transaction, Red 11 Music founder and CEO Jon Folk will officially join WME as a partner. In addition, the company’s agents, staff and clients will now operate under WME.
Five current Red 11 employees will be joining Folk in the transition, including agent Geoff Turner, coordinators Josh Green, Dan Kuklinski and Jeremy Upton, and agent assistant Lindsey Wines.
“Our clients can expect even greater levels of service and opportunity in this exciting new chapter”
“We have long-admired Jon and the business he has built with Red 11,” says WME’s Nashville office co-heads Becky Gardenhire, Joey Lee and Jay Williams. “Jon and his team have a proven track record of success, and we look forward to working with them to grow the Americana genre even further.”
Folk adds: “We are excited to welcome Red 11’s clients to WME and connect them to our portfolio of industry best assets and capabilities. We’re thrilled to be joining WME and the incredible resources and expertise they bring to the table. Our clients can expect even greater levels of service and opportunity in this exciting new chapter.”
WME’s Nashville office provides full-service representation in the city, with agents from multiple verticals including music, books, digital, sports, television and endorsements available. In 2022, WME clients represented over 60% of all headlining slots at the top-country music festivals. The agency is owned by Endeavor Group Holdings.
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UTA hires Brian Hill, Jaime Roberts
UTA has hired Brian Hill as music agent and Jaime Roberts as tour marketing director, both of whom will be joining the Nashville, US, office.
“We are excited to have Brian and Jaime join us at UTA as we continue to expand and elevate the music department,” says Scott Clayton, co-head of global music. “Their decades of experience and stellar track record of going above and beyond for their clients make them perfect additions to our world-class team in Nashville.”
Hill began his career in 1991 after graduating from the University of California, Irvine. Over the course of his 30-year career, he has worked at major agencies including Monterey Peninsula Artists/Paradigm and CAA.
Additionally, Hill is a two-time winner of Pollstar’s “Third Coast Agent of The Year” Award and was featured in an executive profile on the cover of the magazine. He has worked with many popular country acts including Eli Young Band, Aaron Lewis, Frankie Ballard and Home Free, among others.
“Their decades of experience and stellar track record of going above and beyond for their clients make them perfect additions”
Originally from New York, Roberts began her career in live entertainment promoting live tour family entertainment experiences with Feld Entertainment. She spent the next 12 years overseeing marketing and promotions at both Live Nation and The Bowery Presents for shows across the New York and New Jersey areas.
Most recently, Roberts spent seven years in Austin, Texas, where she developed and executed multi-channel marketing campaigns for major touring artists with Messina Touring Group. She led successful tour marketing efforts for artists including Shawn Mendes, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Little Big Town, and Kelly Clarkson.
UTA’s roster of music artists includes Post Malone, Lizzo, Lil Nas X, Cardi B, deadmau5, Bad Bunny, J Balvin, YG, The Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, Marshmello, Bebe Rexha, The Pussycat Dolls, Common, Offset, Lil Wayne, Burna Boy, Halsey, Guns N’ Roses, Muse, Paramore, Machine Gun Kelly and James Blake.
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CAA promotes agents in Nashville, London offices
Creative Artists Agency (CAA) has added two agents to its global music touring staff with the promotions of Jacob Lapidus and Daniel Rais.
Rais, based in London, joined CAA as an assistant in 2017. He works on brand partnerships and event bookings for leading artists including David Guetta, Tems and Charli XCX, among others.
Lapidus, based in Nashville, began his career at CAA in 2016 as an assistant. He works with Moon Taxi, Illiterate Light, The 502s, 49 Winchester, STS9, Charley Crockett, and Wilder Woods, among others.
Within its touring division, CAA books more than 30,000 music and comedy shows each year
Within its touring division, CAA books more than 30,000 music and comedy shows each year, as well as more than 1,000 corporate and private engagements annually.
CAA’s music brand partnerships department develops strategic campaigns and partnerships with worldwide brands for leading music artists.
The agency also maintains an in-house music marketing department that works with promoters, labels, managers and venues to create opportunities for clients across sponsorship, ticketing, digital initiatives, and more.
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WME announces 24 partner and agent promotions
WME has announced seven partner promotions and 17 agent promotions in its music division.
The seven agents promoted to partner are Cristina Baxter, Michael Coughlin, Ryan Jones, Richard Lom, Ben Schiffer, Peter Schwartz and Sam Wald.
Baxter and Schiffer are based in Los Angeles, Coughlin and Jones are based in Nashville, Lom and Schwartz are based in New York and Sam Wald is based in Sydney.
The 14 individuals promoted to agent include Tor Breon, Joe Friel, Allie Galyon, Noah Guthman, Andy Mack, Jordan Meisles, Tim Meldman, Michael Montante, Fernando Montes, Rico Pedraza, Jessica Phillips, Jesse Robbins, Brett Schaffer, Grace Stern, Mary-Michael Teel, Austin Tobias and Ian Wilkerson.
“These promotions all reflect the future of the music industry, and we are so proud of the continued creativity each of these individuals has demonstrated, both internally and on behalf of our clients,” say Lucy Dickins and Kirk Sommer, co-heads of WME’s music division. “Their out-of-the-box thinking, passion for artists and commitment to excellence set our group apart.”
Baxter joined the WME music department as an assistant in 2011. Her clients include Kygo, Miley Cyrus, Carly Rae Jepsen, Sofi Tukker, Kali Uchis and Ashnikko, among others.
“These promotions all reflect the future of the music industry”
Coughlin’s roster crosses multiple genres, including Lewis Capaldi, King Princess, Dean Lewis, The Revivalists, Ashnikko, Eric Nam and Inhaler.
Following his tenure in the non-traditional touring and adult contemporary department, Jones has led the private and corporate department since 2017.
With a focus on Latin music, Lom has developed his roster that includes J Balvin, Farruko, Caifanes, Cazzu, Juanes, Daddy Yankee, Bomba Estereo, Natti Natasha, Vicente Garcia, Cornetto and Agudelo888.
Schiffer works alongside his teammates with some of the most critically-acclaimed and award-winning artists today including Sheryl Crow, Olivia Rodrigo, Andy Grammer, Laura Marling, Keb’ Mo’ and Yebba, among others.
Schwartz is a veteran agent, representing AJR, Macklemore, Olivia Rodrigo, 24KGoldn, Lucky Daye, Aminé, Ferg and Joey BadA$$, among others.
Wald’s clients include Gang of Youths, Orville Peck, Sofi Tukker, Porter Robinson, Fatboy Slim, AJR, ZHU, Cordae, Earl Sweatshirt, Polo & Pan, TOKiMONSTA, Madeon, Alok, Channel Tres, JPEGMafia, Black Coffee and UMI, among others.
These promotions follow several recent new hires at WME, including Zach Iser and Caroline Yim who were brought in as co-heads of hip-hop/R&B from CAA, Craig D’Souza (international contemporary), Andy Duggan (international festivals) and Whitney Boateng (hip-hop and R&B), Dru Bass (crossover), Bailey Greenwood (electronic music), Dana Jeter (hip-hop and R&B) and Randall Uritsky (domestic festivals).
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Emporium Presents expands with key hires, new location
Emporium Presents, a joint venture with Live Nation, is expanding its US team with a string of hires and a new location.
The new appointments include Kelsey Danca as director of marketing, Megan Unruh as director of ticketing and Jordan Powell as director of production.
In addition, co-founder Jason Zink has relocated to Nashville, TN and is based out of Live Nation’s Nashville offices along with Danca, Unruh, and Powell. Co-founder Dan Steinberg will remain at Emporium’s headquarters located in Washington.
“We are thrilled about adding these new key players to our team and the expertise that they each bring to Emporium Presents,” says Steinberg. “We are all passionate about the events that we do and Danca, Unruh and Powell are no exception to that. We look forward to all of the growth to come from having them on board.”
Zink added: “I am excited to have moved back to Nashville as Music City is a great place to be based. We have always worked with artists, agents, and managers that are based in Nashville and this move will only strengthen those relationships and the foothold we have.”
“I am excited to have moved back to Nashville as Music City is a great place to be based”
Danca previously worked at AEG Presents in West Palm Beach, FL, Hubbard Broadcasting, RadioFX and The Chicago Theatre, and brings over 10 years of experience in marketing to the growing promoter team.
Unruh joins the team from Red Mountain Entertainment, and previously worked at C3 Presents, H-E-B Center in Cedar Park, TX, and Nascar.
Powell has worked as a tour and artist manager for 23 years with several artists including Sugarland, Ben Rector, Jewel, Indigo Girls, Jennifer Nettles, Miranda Lambert, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton, Brandy Clark, Tony Joe White and more. Powell will take over leading all production for Emporium Presents.
Founded in 2015, Emporium Presents has promoted acts including Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Dolly Parton, Jason Mraz, The Scorpions, and The Trailer Park Boys.
The company promotes over 400 shows annually across a variety of entertainment offerings including concerts, stand-up comedy, and performances by celebrated TV personalities, and has offices in Washington and Nashville.
Emporium’s Steinberg produces the well-known podcast, Promoter 101, and is a longstanding ILMC supporter and session host.
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CAA promotes agents Del Granado and Krones
Creative Artists Agency (CAA) has promoted veteran music agents Bruno Del Granado and Jeff Krones to leadership positions.
Del Granado, who works with Latin artists including Maluma, Gloria Estefan, Luis Fonsi and Becky G, will serve as head of the agency’s global Latin Music touring group, while Krones, whose clients such as Dan + Shay, Twenty One Pilots, Brett Young, Needtobreathe and NF, becomes c0-head of CAA Nashville Music.
“Today’s appointments of two superbly talented new leaders attest to the tremendous momentum CAA is experiencing across our touring business,” says CAA’s head of music Rob Light. “Jeff and Bruno’s individual instincts, taste, and experience have made them world-class agents, and we look forward to them expanding their impact for clients and CAA in their new leadership roles.”
Miami-based Del Granado joined the agency in 2013 from RM Entertainment Group, which he formed in partnership with Ricky Martin. Previously, he founded Entertainment Media Factory, Inc and was president of Maverick Recording Company’s Latin Division, and VP of programming for MTV LatAm.
He has also served as a marketing advisor to Enrique Iglesias and held senior executive positions at EMI Music Publishing and CBS/Sony.
“As the reach and influence of Latin music continues to grow across the globe, I’m thrilled to work alongside the incredible artists driving the success and cultural impact of the music,” says Del Granado. “With the continued support of the broader CAA team, our Latin Music group will create even more opportunities ahead.”
I’m honoured to join my fellow co-heads in helping to build on our success in Nashville
Over the past year, the agency’s Latin music touring division has crafted a series of high-profile deals, including facilitating a lucrative brand partnership for Ricky Martin with Chilean beauty brand Kumiko, helping secure a role for Gloria Estefan to co-star in Plan B/Warner Bros’ Father of the Bride remake, and negotiating Becky G’s recently launched beauty line Treslúce Beauty.
Krones, who was elected to the board of the Academy of Country Music in 2017, began his career as an intern at CAA in 2004 and was promoted to agent in 2007. He joins Nashville Music co-heads Marc Dennis, Brian Manning and Darin Murphy in his new role.
“I’m honoured to join my fellow co-heads in helping to build on our success in Nashville,” he says. “As a team, we’re passionate about discovering, developing and serving a wide range of artists that touch many different genres and cultures. I’m fortunate to have spent my entire career at CAA, surrounded by the best agents, and I’m excited by the opportunity to help shape our future.”
CAA’s Nashville touring team of 38 agents works with a roster of country music talent including Alabama, Lady A, Zac Brown Band, Sam Hunt, Tim McGraw, Maren Morris, Willie Nelson, Shania Twain, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban, among others.
The agency’s Nashville office also works with the likes of Glass Animals, Maroon 5, Mumford & Sons, Harry Styles, and Vampire Weekend.
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Wasserman hires veteran agent Shannon Casey
Wasserman Music has appointed Shannon Casey as SVP of fairs and festivals, to expand the agency’s reach in the business area.
Casey will start at Wasserman on 1 October, based in the agency’s Nashville office.
The veteran agent joins Wasserman after more than two decades at CAA in Nashville, representing some of the most notable live performance talent in the music business.
“I look forward to working with some of the most passionate and respected agents in the business,” says Casey.
“I can’t wait to reconnect with all the fair and festival buyers, with whom it has been my pleasure to work over the years”
“I can’t wait to reconnect with all the fair and festival talent buyers, with whom it has been my pleasure to work over the years, and I’m excited about creating new touring opportunities for a dynamic roster of talented artists.”
Wasserman SVP, Lenore Kinder, added: “The addition of Shannon to Wasserman Music brings irreplaceable experience and expertise in a rapidly evolving economy in fairs and festivals.
“She has cultivated decades of meaningful relationships with her buyers, and I have no doubt they’re just as eager to get back to business with her as we are!”
Today’s news follows the appointment of veteran agent Brent Smith as executive vice-president and managing executive, in July, and five new agents, earlier this month.
The appointments follow Wasserman group’s acquisition of Paradigm’s North American live music business.
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Former Paradigm agents join UTA
UTA has announced Jeffrey Hasson and Matt Meyer, both formerly of Paradigm Talent Agency, as its latest hires.
Hasson will be part of the leadership team in the Nashville office, while Meyer will be based in UTA’s Los Angeles headquarters.
Hasson has worked with artists including Young the Giant, Tori Kelly, Surfaces, Jamey Johnson, Dashboard Confessional, Dayglow, Blues Traveler, Coin and Ruston Kelly, among others. He joins UTA from Paradigm, after starting his career at Monterey Peninsular Artists (later acquired by Paradigm) in 2005.
“I’m so excited to join the UTA team, and a music department with such great momentum,” he comments. “The company’s perseverance and navigation through these trying times has been very admirable. I can’t wait to share all of UTA’s incredible cross-department resources with my clients to help elevate their business.”
Meyer has represented artists including Halsey, Machine Gun Kelly, Lil Dicky, Don Toliver, Tinashe, Yungblud, Cash Cash, Eden and the Knocks. With Halsey, he played an instrumental role in fostering the singer’s development from an opening act to a festival and arena headliner.
“Jeffrey and Matt have impeccable track records of identifying and developing emerging artists”
He started his career an agent at electronic dance music agency AM Only, also later acquired by Paradigm.
“I am grateful to be joining the team at UTA during a time when they have showcased real innovation and done amazing work on behalf of their clients.
“Everyone has been extremely supportive of this next chapter in my career and I am looking forward to collaborating with my new colleagues to both expand my clients’ passions outside of music and creating a great touring business.”
“Jeffrey and Matt have impeccable track records of identifying and developing emerging artists and creating unique opportunities for their clients,” comments David Zedeck, co-head of UTA’s Music department. “Jeffrey is well-respected within the Nashville music community, and Matt has his finger firmly on the pulse for the next generation of hitmakers. We are thrilled to welcome both of them to our team.”
Hasson and Meyer’s additions follow the recent hiring of new co-head of music Samantha Kirby Yoh, as well as a round of lay-offs as the agency continues to weather the impact of Covid-19.
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